Dental retainers in Carson are appliances used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Your Carson orthodontist recommends wearing a retainer to ensure the success of your treatment. Without a retainer, your teeth can shift back to their original position, resulting in crooked, crowded teeth, jaw misalignment, and ultimately, a waste of your time and money.
For the first six to 12 months, you’ll need to wear your retainers 24/7. After that, you may only need to wear them at night.
Many orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer at night for a lifetime to prevent your teeth from shifting.
No, the retainers don’t move your teeth. They help retain their current position after orthodontic treatment.
Once braces are removed or you stop wearing Invisalign® aligners, your teeth will want to shift back into their original, misaligned position. A retainer helps keep your teeth in their new position and keep your smile looking beautiful.
Retainers average between $150-$350, depending on your unique needs. Your Carson orthodontist will have an exact estimate for you.
No. Your first retainer is figured into the fee of your orthodontic treatment. If you lose or break your retainer, you’ll need to pay for a replacement. Your insurance may or may not cover a portion of more than one retainer. Check your insurance policy for more details or speak with a member of our staff to understand your coverage.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild dish soap, and lukewarm water to wash your retainer. Don’t use toothpaste as it contains abrasive compounds that can scratch the retainer. Scratches are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can contribute to dental diseases and bad breath. Over time, toothpaste can also weaken the retainer material, making it more susceptible to breakage.
As your retainer ages, you may notice some discoloration. Age, bacteria, and the minerals in the water you use to clean your retainer can contribute to discoloration.
Once your retainer is clean, dry it thoroughly, and place it in your retainer case. Do not store your retainer in an overly hot or cold environment, as extreme temperatures can cause the retainer to warp or break.
No. As long as you keep your retainer clean, you won’t have to worry about damage to your teeth or gums. If you notice any tooth or gum soreness, contact your Carson orthodontist.
You might notice a slight lisp when you talk when you first start wearing your retainer. With some time, the lisp will go away quickly.
If you clench or grind your teeth at night, you’re better off wearing a nightguard or splint to protect your teeth and jaw joints. You can wear your nightguard in place of your retainer during sleeping hours. Make sure your nightguard is custom made after your orthodontic treatment is complete to ensure proper fit so that your teeth don’t shift back to their original position.
You’ve invested a lot of time and money in orthodontic treatment. And if you’re like most of our patients, you feel the investment was worth it. A realigned bite takes the pressure off the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the head and neck, resulting in fewer headaches. Plus, when you have a properly aligned bite, you reduce your risk of damaging your teeth and needing expensive restorative treatments. Utilizing a retainer regularly can help ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment.
Contact Us Right Away If You Lose Your Retainer
Do you have a history of orthodontic treatment, but you’ve lost your retainer? That’s not a problem! We can fabricate a new one for you. Contact us today to learn more.
CALL (310) 626-0004
OR
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
